The Holy Spirit

Matthew 3:[11] I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Luke 3:7-9)The fire spoken of by John the Baptist is NOT the fire of the presence of the Holy Spirit but rather a fire of burning that will destroy the chaff.The baptism of the Holy Ghost, here spoken of, and the fire are two separate things. It is the fire kindled by the wrath of God and is one of judgment.

Luke.24:[49] And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Jesus promised to give them the Holy Spirit and through the receiving of the Holy Spirit they would receive power.

Matthew 10:1-8They had the ability to cast out demons, raise the dead, heal the sick, cleanse leprosy before they were given the Holy Spirit. These things were not the power spoken of by Jesus that they would receive from the Holy Spirit.

Acts.1:[7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.[8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The power the Holy Spirit gave them was the power to be a witness for Jesus. This same Peter who had denied Jesus three times just several days earlier now had power to stand and preach the Word to those who had crucified the Lord.Even after being beaten and placed in prison Peter continued to disobey the command of the San Hedrin and continued to preach the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Ministry of the Holy SpiritJohn 14:25-31 [25] These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.[26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.[27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.[28] Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.[29] And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.[30] Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.[31] But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

1) The ministry of the Holy Spirit was to teach the Apostles.2) Cause them to remember the teachings of Jesus walk with them.3) Bring internal peace to the Apostles

John 15:26-27 [26] But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:[27] And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to testify of Jesus and enable the Apostles to do the same.

John 16:13-14 13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.[14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit was to guide the Apostles in truth.The ministry of the Holy Spirit was to magnify Jesus.The ministry of the Holy Spirit was NOT to speak of Himself.The ministry of the Holy Spirit was tell the Apostles what God says to them. (conduit of information)The ministry of the Holy Spirit was to show the Apostles things to come.

Consult the following passages in the book of Acts for examples of the work of the Holy Spirit in the early church.8:29, 39, 10:19, 16:7, 21:4

In the New Testament Christian the Holy Spirit continues His work today.

He leads us.Romans 8:1-5

He prunes us from the works of the flesh.Romans 8:11

He enables us to call God our Father.Romans 8:15

He helps us with our infirmities by making intercession for us.Romans 8:26

He indwells the believer.1Corinthians 3:16

He washes us, sanctifies us and justifies us.1Corinthians 6:11

He writes on our heart the Word of God so we may show others Christ through us.2Corinthians 3:3